Moving is stressful, whether you are planning on moving to another area in Toronto or across the country. Moving a few miles away can make this process even more arduous and tedious. Fortunately, you can simplify your move by following my best moving tips to minimize the aggravation and have a safe and stress-free move!
Create a Plan
It’s stressful to pack in a hurry, and can lead to carelessness when packing more fragile items. Taking everything with you might initially seem like the best option since it seems like a lot of work to sort through your belongings. But consider the following: 1) Do you have enough space in your new home for all of your belongings? 2) Are you moving a long distance away? If you are moving across Canada, the cost of your move will be based on the weight of your belongings. It’s time to get rid of that old piano if you no longer play it. If you have old appliances, consider donating these to a nearby local used outlet or sell them online on Facebook Marketplace. You should start decluttering and getting rid of things you no longer want about a month or two before your move.
Strongboxes are recommended
Almost every moving company can provide you with good quality moving boxes. Purchase moving boxes from a home improvement store or online supplier instead of using boxes provided by the supermarket since grocery store boxes are not strong enough to accommodate heavier items. You can also drop by the LCBO and pick up some of their boxes for free. Because these boxes contain alcohol. they are quite strong!
Take an inventory before you move
Give all boxes a number, the room they go in in the new home and a general description of what’s inside and write this information on the box’s label. Write down everything that goes into each box on a separate sheet of paper. You can use it if any boxes go missing, and it will make unpacking so much easier. Don’t forget to have an “Essentials” box with items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, paper towels, toilet paper, scissors, coffee, coffee filters, knives, forks, spoons, paper plates and cups and any other essentials you will need in the first 24 hours of your move.
Make your boxes as light as possible – heavy boxes are harder to carry and more likely to be dropped and have their contents break. If you have gaps in your boxes, fill them with towels and clothes, which will act as excellent insulation. You can find plenty of self-storage supplies to meet your needs.
Pack breakables tightly
It’s best to wrap fragile items such as china, glassware or ornaments in bubble wrap or dish towels. Then place them snugly in boxes so they don’t rattle around and break. Be sure to mark “FRAGILE” on the box and ensure that boxes are well sealed with tape.
Smaller boxes are better for heavy items
It is strongly recommended to have different sizes of boxes for your move. For items such as books that are heavy, smaller boxes are better since you can’t fit as many books in them and thus, the boxes are easier to lift.
Bring valuable items with you
One of the best moving tips is to take valuable and/or breakable items such as jewelry, plants or china in your own car. Although your mover may be trustworthy, accidents do happen and you don’t want your valuables to break or go missing. If you don’t have a car, you may want to consider renting a van during your move. Then you can quickly move back and forth, and you have a vehicle to transport valuable items.
A plan means you can avoid rushing
If you plan how long it will take you to move your items on moving day, you should have enough time so that you don’t have to rush. Of course, the unexpected does occur. On our recent move, our landlord told us we could have until noon to move out of our rental unit, but he then decided to show up at our place at 10 a.m.! This, of course, put pressure on us to be out of there much earlier than noon and this rushing around resulted in one of my planter pots getting broken.
Don’t include these items in boxes
Do not pack items including toxic cleaning materials, bleach, propane tanks, gasoline, paint thinners, lighter fluid, and similar items in boxes where heat, cold or stress can occur. Instead, either dispose of these items properly or bring them with you in your own vehicle.
Choose a reputable moving company
The vast majority of moving companies in Toronto charge by the hour.
Your home’s contents represent a large investment. It’s important that you hire a reputable and experienced moving company such as Dollies & Boxes to handle your move. You can save money and time by following the best moving tips noted above. Wishing you a happy move!
You may be interested in reading, “Why Wait Until Spring? Three Great Winter Home Improvements“.
